Lancia reveals new Delta range at 2011 Geneva Auto Show

Delta, Lancia’s compact range flagship, appeared at the Geneva Auto Show with several exterior revisions. It has been given a brand-new grille that is meant to be a reflection of the new "Lancia family feeling." Delta was originally launched in the 2008 Geneva Auto Show. For the new Delta, Lancia has prepared new proposals for trim levels and engine versions.

The feature in the new Delta that’s very noticeable is the new grille design by the Centro Stile Lancia. Instead of vertical chrome bars, it features horizontal ones.

The grille is actually similar to Chrysler's latest vehicles such as the 300 and 200 sedans. The front end has a dynamic look due to the bigger lower air intake, beefy grille and LED daytime lights and taillights.

Delta's trim levels were also updated and now include the base Steel, Silver, Gold and Platinum versions. Beginning this year, the Delta will be offered to European customers in seven different powerplants.

These are the 120 hp 1.4-liter turbo petrol, which is also available in a dual-fuel petrol/LPG version, a 140 hp 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo petrol; a 200 hp 1.8-liter turbo petrol, a 120 hp 1.6-liter Multijet diesel, a 165 hp 2.0-liter Multijet diesel, a 190 hp 1.9-liter twin-turbo Multijet diesel and a new base-model 1.6-liter Multijet diesel.

The entry level model is powered by a 1.6 MultiJet turbo diesel. It is Euro 5-compliant and delivers 105hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of peak torque. This enables the car to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 186 km/h (116 mph). The diesel engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, has CO2 emissions of 120 g/km and a fuel economy rating that’s better than the 120hp version.

Lancia is unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show the first fruits of its alliance with Chrysler that commenced just last year. These models combine the taste and innovation typical of Lancia vehicles and the exuberance, stress-free ownership experience and functionality that are characteristics of the Chrysler brand. These models are the new Flavia Concept, new Flavia Cabrio Concept, new Delta, new Grand Voyager, new Thema and new Ypsilon – all boasting tremendous potential while featuring elegant style and technological innovations.

Lancia’s resurrection marks the breakdown of a division that separates aspiration and ownership, as it tries to turn luxury into a right instead of a privilege by subscribing to the idea of "accessible luxury." This makes the Lancia the only carmaker to take an unusual approach to the "premium" car concept. It shares its "mission" of providing customers with elegant luxury blended with Italian design.

Moreover, the Lancia is one of the few brands that offer a vehicle range from segment B to Large MPVs. The new Flavia Concept, new Flavia Cabrio Concept, new Delta, new Grand Voyager, new Thema and new Ypsilon, along with the three-door Ypsilon and Musa models, should be able to cater to the demands of discerning customers who want to own a vehicle without parading financial standing.

These models should also cater to the needs and demands of customers who could embrace contrasting ideas like rationality and emotion, tradition and innovation, and individualism and social awareness. These Lancia models should also appeal to the customers who are looking forward to having the best without being persuaded by judgements of other people or the current fashions.

For all of these customers, the new Lancia offers them exclusivity, defined by subjective pleasure and gratification, not by the possession of expensive objects. Thus, by employing materials, state-of-the-art technologies and attention to craftsmanship, Lancia is able to offer a "multi-sensory experience" on board.